Start Your Own Business in

If you are starting a business in , you have come to the right place!

Start Your Own Business in contains masses of free resources and the useful information that will help you get your new venture off the ground. It also highlights local organisations who offer friendly business advice and services that you need.

Everything that you will find on the site is free or very low cost and includes our free start-up pack, a series of factsheets which cover all of the key considerations, relevant templates, links to other useful resources and our free downlodable Start Your Own Business book.

Every year, over 400,000 people start a business in the UK and, apparently, at any one time, up to a fifth of the working population would like to join them. If this is you, we would love top help turn your dream into reality by sharing some of the information that you will need to make your venture a success.

We have been helping new business start-ups for the past 18 years and this section has been in place since 2005. Accordingly, we have amassed an enormous amount of relevant useful start-up information which we are happy to share with you free of charge. This will enable you to learn from those who help start-ups and from the lessons learned by people, just like you, who have already set up on their own.

Local contacts

We hope that you find the site useful and wish you the very best of luck on your exciting journey. If you are unsure of where to start, can I suggest that you get a feel for what is going on locally by following the links on this page. They will give you an idea of what advice and support is available in the area. Also we have pages dedicated to networking, free advice, funding, and grants

If you would like to know the proven steps that can make the difference between business start-up success and failure, our popular FREE start-up pack contains a step-by-step guide, templates, factsheets and a copy of our unique business start-up map.

Alternatively, we have also created our own new business 99 point start-up checklist which will give you a clear overview of the key subjects which need to be mastered on your road to success

Start-Up Success

The sad truth is that too many new ventures do not even reach their first anniversary. However, the good news is that this does not have to be the case. Running your own business is not an easy option but many of the pitfalls can be avoided with some careful research and planning in the early stages. This site has been designed with the sole aim of increasing the survival rate locally by raising awareness of both the right and wrong ways of starting a new business and promoting the businesses and organisations in who would love to help you.

Recommended Local Partner

Tel:
Web:

Free Local Resources

Local resources and contacts sorted by classification

Here you will find a collection of FREE resources defined by topic as well as the contact details for many local businesses and organisations who are keen to help you.

FREE Book

This free page book is packed with start-up information and contact details designed to help you start your business successfully.

We have been running SYOB for over 10 years now and have accumulated an enormous amount of information which could make the difference between start-up success or failure.

Starting a business is easy but keeping it going and making a profit is a completely different proposition. The good news is that there are tried and tested 'rules' which have consistently proved to work.

FREE Book

This free page book is packed with start-up information and contact details designed to help you start your business successfully.

We have been running SYOB for over 10 years now and have accumulated an enormous amount of information which could make the difference between start-up success or failure.

Starting a business is easy but keeping it going and making a profit is a completely different proposition. The good news is that there are tried and tested 'rules' which have consistently proved to work.

FREE Start-Up Pack

Our FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'. However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly.

One-time registration required but this unlocks all of the free resources on the site.

StartUp Latest

Keep up to date with the most recent business thinking from around the world

We try to keep our eyes open for useful and interesting news stories and useful resources which could help if you are starting up or running a small business. Hopefully, this will save you the time and trouble! The latest additions are...

Local Contacts

If you can help new business start ups or
existing small businesses in the
area, we would love to promote you here free of charge.
(Add Your Business)

4 great reasons to be part of 4Networking
1. Flexibility and reach
4N gives you access to a unique joined-up national business network. Our ‘Passport membership’ lets you choose from 5000+ 4Networking events each year. We have groups in most major towns and cities in the UK. Use your Passport to network locally, regionally and even nationally.
Choose from Breakfast, Lunch and Evening meetings + join the UK’s fastest growing Facebook business group - just search on Facebook for ‘4Networking Community’.
2. A stream of business appointments
Bypass gatekeepers by having three 10-minute 1-2-1s at every 4N meeting, with people you choose. Also use 1-2-1s to find trusted suppliers. 1-2-1s are one of the key elements in our relaxed yet productive meeting format, which is tried, tested and loved by our members.
3. Relaxed, fun and friendly networking
At 4N, it’s easy to just be yourself. At our meetings and online we’ve created an unstuffy environment. The cornerstone of 4N’s ethos is Meet>Like>Know>Trust, as it’s the best way to gain customers, collaborations and suppliers. If this sounds like your kind of place, then become part of the 4N community.
4. A platform to demonstrate your expertise
We give you so many ways to raise your profile and establish yourself as the go-to person in your field. In the room and online, being able to offer ‘4Sight’ presentations can gain you a massive audience. Plus of course, you and your business benefit from other 4N members’ advice and help.
Established for over 11 years, 4Networking is helping thousands of business owners to grow their businesses. It’s business networking the British way.
Register at www.4networking.biz (it takes 2 minutes) and then you can book your first meeting, to see how 4N will work for you. Browse our list of meetings here: www.4networking.biz/events. Or call our Support Desk team on 0345 123 4444.

Appoint us as your accountant at the outset of your new business and you can be sure you will have a trusted business advisor that understands your needs and talks your language.
We offer personal support and find you the most tax efficient way to run your business. It is going to take all your time and effort to run your business without having to think about the compliance side like Tax Returns, Annual Accounts, VAT Returns and Company Filing. This is where we come in handy!
John is a Chartered Management Accountant with over 30 years' experience in managing the finance and operational functions in a variety of small and medium sized businesses.
We offer all the services you will need when starting your own business, some of which are:-
* Business start-up advice
* Management Accounts - we will regularly meet with you and explain the numbers
(not just once a year)!
* Cashflow management
* Bookkeeping
* Payroll
We charge a fixed price - never any hidden extras.
Advice at any time - no extra charge!
Please feel free to give us a call. We offer a free initial meeting - no strings attached!

Raising Finance for your Start-Up
Blue Sky Corporate Finance is an independent finance consultancy based in the West Midlands, aimed at helping Start-Ups and small to medium sized businesses in the region to understand the selection of finance currently available to them and the requirements and issues related to securing it.
Our comprehensive services offer all you need to support your application for funding, and will help make the prospect of raising finance so much less daunting. We are committed to providing you with proactive advice, guidance and 'hands-on' support.
To discuss your requirements in more detail and to find out how we can help you, contact our team of friendly and professional advisors for a FREE no obligation consultation.
Telephone: 0845 258 3759, Email: Miranda@blueskycf.com or Visit www.blueskycf.com

At Breeze & Wyles we take a holistic approach to supporting businesses through our Commercial services team.
We have created and developed a team of experts who assist companies of all types and size from national corporations to sole traders in all areas of commercial law at each stage of their evolution.
From business start ups, mergers, acquisitions and sales through to employment law, commercial property, dispute resolution, insolvency and debt recovery, intellectual property and regulation and compliance, we are here to assist and advise you.
All of our commercial experts are in one place and operate as one team, allowing us to offer you a one-stop shop for all your company commercial requirements.
We understand the need to protect and control growth in an increasingly demanding market place and have created a unique charging structure to allow you to have complete control of your budget and objectives.

You can meet like-minded local business people at BRX's breakfast networking meetings. They take place on Wednesday mornings at the Hilton Hotel, Farlington, Portsmouth. For a chat or to know more please get in touch with Michael Birchmore on michael.birchmore@brxnet.co.uk or phone him on 07748 654023.

Three local business centres, all owned and managed by Portsmouth City Council, may provide you with your first business premises. A variety of units are available and are offered on an all-inclusive and 'easy in - easy out' basis. They are the Challenge Enterprise Centre and Portsmouth Enterprise Centre, both located on the Airport Industrial Estate, and Victory Business Centre in the heart of Fratton.

DAA Consulting helps new and existing businesses build, develop and grow. We can provide anything from free initial mentoring to business advice, strategy planning, marketing, funding and much more.
We do not charge for an initial consultation and any support given, is designed to help you grow your business and achieve your aims. Our aim is to help you get started and help you at each step of your journey or if you are already in business, help you get to the next level.
We also have our own free ebook, "A Guide to Starting and Running a Small Business"

100 % UK Based Easiweb, is the quickest and easiest route to your new rental website, all at an affordable monthly price. We will guide you through the whole process in no time you'll be up and running with your new pay monthly website.

The FSB Business Creation package has been specially designed for those looking to start up, or have recently started a small business. Tailored benefits will help you get your business off the ground and we’ll be with you each step of the way. Join today for £129.

Iceberg Print & Design is a social enterprise set up by Aberdeen Cyrenians to support the good cause work they do for homeless people.
We offer fast quality print and design services for a competitive price. You can get your printing work done and contribute towards helping Aberdeen Cyrenians to tackle the problem of homelessness.
Creating recognizable brand is one of the most important steps in starting your business. We have a lot of experience in helping out with any design questions business starters might have and surely, we will advise you on the best print package to get the representable stationary you deserve. This includes business cards, letterheads, compliment slips or even posters and pull up banners.
As a social enterprise, we want to contribute in building a network of businesses in Aberdeen and in helping new ones to find their place in the local market.

ITaSKCIC, work for the community by providing training and consultancy services. At the heart of our services is the commitment to:
- provide training, consultancy and educational services for people who wish to improve their employment and life chances by using Mind Track 2training techniques. We utilise unique methods of pictures, sounds, music and colours combined with easy flow and understandable text.
- provide training in workplaces to meet legal compliance, First aid, Health and Safety levels 1 and 2, Fire Warden Training, Data Protection, Equality and Diversity, and much more.
- provide training, consultancy information, advice and guidance on self-employment awareness and equality of opportunity for groups including the disadvantaged in society. Compiling - Business Plans, Start up Traing, Marketing Strategy, Workshops are designed to help you understand/develop:
- your business concept (so you can check and refine its viability)
The Business Start Up Workshop is designed for people who are about to start or have recently started a business. You will learn why business planning is important and how to write a business plan. You will gain an understanding of the environment in which you will trade and the importance of market research. The legal status of your business, regulations and managing your relationship with the HMRC will ensure that you are keeping your business legal. We also look at Clarifing your vision for the future, How to set SMART goals, Understanding the trading environment, How to get more customers and Financial management.

We're a Cheltenham based full service design agency. From website design, branding through to online marketing our service helps to promote and grow your business. Wether you're starting up or need to further develop your company get in touch to find out how we can help you.

We are a firm of Chartered Accountants who have been established since 1969, and are based in Harrow, Middlesex. Our dedicated team specialises in providing advice and help with any accounting, auditing and tax aspects of running a business.
We are able to provide assistance in the following areas:
* Evaluate your business ideas in a constructive and realistic manner.
* Decide on the most suitable structure for your business - sole trader, partnership, or limited company.
* Prepare a business plan, cashflow projections, budgets, and trading forecasts.
* Assess your finance requirements and potential sources of finance.
* Establish a good working relationship with your bank.
* Complete any registration procedures with Companies House, and HM Revenue & Customs.
* Deal with company statutory issues.
* Set up a recording system for your internal use and for complying with statutory requirements.
* Preparing accounts of businesses (audited if also required).
* All tax compliance matters, payroll, VAT, corporation tax, income tax and all other taxes.
* Tax planning and advice, ensuring your business pays the minimum tax permitted by law.

How can HR help your business move forward?
Have You Ever Employed Someone You Wish You Hadn’t?
If You Employ Staff
From time to time you’ll have Human Resources issues. You would like the confidence and reassurance of knowing that you are legally compliant. That all of your HR policies and procedures are in place and that you are protected should problems arise.
If You Have an HR Problem
It clearly needs your immediate attention, but you are not sure of the best way to proceed. The way that will lead to the outcome you want, with the least cost and minimum disruption to your company.
If You Run a Growing Company
You need an experienced and professional Human Resources partner to whom you can outsource all of your HR responsibilities, without incurring the cost of a permanent staff member
EXCELLENT SUPPORT
Jim has worked with Fraser Freight for 5 years as our retained HR Adviser. In that time he has provided quality, professional support on the full range of Human resource issues form employing staff, managing performance and dealing with staff problems. He has been flexible in his approach, always giving advice based on the needs of the company. I would happily recommend him. If you are looking for HR support, you should speak to him.

Nomad Associates is a vibrant full service marketing agency bringing together an exceptional group of marketing specialists, designers (graphic, sound and web), printers, direct marketing companies and photographers to deliver high quality marketing solutions.
We offer all the services a new business needs from brand and logo development, website development and print solutions for a range of corporate materials.
We work for a range of clients from small start-ups to much larger established organisations.

Portsmouth City Council are keen to support new business start-ups in the area and their website has a page dedicated to the subject. Their own services include: access to funding which includes a start-up grant scheme called 'Bridging the Gap. This allows you to bid for between

It is paramount when outsourcing that you have trusted partners who have the necessary resources to deliver the service you require successfully.
With over 15 years outsource experience gained with leading companies in the outsource BPO arena SOS are perfectly placed to offer clients access to suppliers specialising in their required service.
We can help you with:
* Contract Negotiation
* Call Centre Services (inbound)
* Call Centre Services (outbound)
* Call Centre Services (additional)
* IT Systems / Support
* Fulfilment
* Business Address
* Records and data storage / removal
* Call Centre Software
* PCI Compliance
* Bespoke Sales / Marketing
Whether you are a small local business or large national corporate, we endeavour to provide you with the most comprehensive and cost effective solution.

Supporting small businesses in all aspects of business networking. Regional directors for The Lead Generation Clubs (TLGC), promoters in Kent of the Business Growth Show, owners of Cut To The Chase business speed networking.

Our Athena Network Enfield group was set up especially for business women wanting to promote their own business or that of their employer, make new contacts, develop business expertise and explore visionary ideas.
We meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month if you are interested in coming along and finding our more, we guarantee you will be made very welcome, meet some interesting women, enjoy informal networking time as well as a sit down lunch.
At each meeting we have 2 business speakers on topics very relevant to women in business, you will also have the chance to identify people you would like to meet up with in the future.
We are a one profession per group organisation so you will need to check that your discipline is still available.
To book your place or for further details please email

Our Athena Network Radlett group was set up especially for business women wanting to promote their own business or that of their employer, make new contacts, develop business expertise and explore visionary ideas.
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month if you are interested in coming along and finding our more, we guarantee you will be made very welcome, meet some interesting women, enjoy informal networking time as well as a sit down lunch.
At each meeting we have 2 business speakers on topics very relevant to women in business, you will also have the chance to identify people you would like to meet up with in the future.
We are a one profession per group organisation so you will need to check that your discipline is still available.
To book your place or for further details please contact Rosy Holt

Our Athena group was set up especially for business women wanting to promote their own business or that of their employer, make new contacts, develop business expertise and explore visionary ideas.
We are fast growing in numbers so if you are interested in coming along and finding our more, we guarantee you will meet some interesting women, enjoy informal networking time as well as a sit down lunch.
At each meeting we have 2 business speakers on topics very relevant to women in business, you will also have the chance to identify people you would like to meet up with in the future.

An outsourced HR services to small and medium sized businesses.
Everything a large corporate HR department would provide but at a fraction of the cost.
Covering Angus and the surrounding areas including Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus.
Free initial 1-2-1 meeting.

Carl Ford accountancy
'Passionate about supporting local business'.
Carl Ford Accountancy is a Chartered Accountancy firm based in Sutton Coldfield. We are passionate about supporting local business in the Sutton Coldfield area.
Contact us for specialist, local advice and assistance with:
Company Formation
Bookkeeping
Accountancy
Payroll
0121 314 0646

Croydon Enterprise
Croydon Enterprise is a complete package of support for local people who want to start or grow their own business, develop their skills or find a new career. From practical one-to-one support for the complete novice through to funding, skills programmes and premises advice, we offer guidance every step of the way and most of our services are provided free of charge. So whether you are thinking about enterprise and need help with the first steps, or already have an existing business and are looking to grow and expand, there are a lots of practical ways we can help. 020 8680 6161

Enterprise Cornwall Limited
Whether you are thinking of starting a business or are already running your own business anywhere in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Enterprise Cornwalls??? experienced business advisors provide advice and guidance on starting and running your own business in simple, easy to understand language.
They are available to meet with you on a One2One basis to talk through your business idea and to guide you through the key issues of planning a new business e.g. the implications of self employment, the legal requirements, market research & raising finance.
Enterprise Cornwall runs FREE, half day ???Awareness??? workshops at convenient locations across Cornwall which cover the frequently asked questions about starting and running your own business.
FREE workshops are also run giving an in depth understanding of financial planning, sales & marketing.

Eyeland Graphics
An experienced graphic and web designer, passionate about creating simple, clean designs for online and offline marketing collateral. I work from a project/design brief, manage internal and external stakeholders and create marketing material which meets brand guidelines and online best practice.
Working with brand guidelines on artwork and design, I understand the importance of brand image to the design process and the importance of consistency and intuitive user journeys.
I meet all my clients for a chemistry meeting and I take a full design brief before I start a project and I manage expectations with a project timing plan. 7515531624

Hampshire Enterprise Circle
The Hampshire Ambassadors scheme, run by Hampshire County Council, aims to stimulate investment and encourage business development in the county. There are over 1,200 Hampshire Ambassadors, who promote business and support the economy of Hampshire. 01962 845745

Hampshire Trading Standards
Hampshire Trading Standards can help you with guidance on how to comply with trading standards law. Our advice is freely available to all businesses operating in Hampshire. 01962 833620

Hodders Law UK
Getting things right at the beginning can save you a lot of time and money later on. It lays the foundation to allow you to run your business safe in the knowledge that you have started out on a sound footing.
At Hodders we know about starting and buying businesses, we have been doing it for years for our clients. We can offer you standard and complex shareholder agreements, partnership agreements and directors' agreements as per your requirements.
From the beginning when you are arranging the lease or purchase of your premises or if you enter into negotiations with your landlord. We are the experts in the start-up process from start to finish.
As a law firm we have a unique position in the business start-up arena, not only are we able to provide bespoke legal advice with regard to supplier contracts and employer contracts, write personalised company handbooks and procedures, including health and safety and where required provide all licensing work including, music, entertainment, alcohol and personal and premises licenses. We also know how to run a business.
We have special packages for start-up businesses, from instalment plans and bulk rates to a free legal advice line during your first 3 months in business. We can usually create a package to suit your unique business and its needs, so call today and make an appointment for a free initial meeting.
We are able to guide you through this challenging process with experts dedicated to making sure you can get on with what matters, running your business, while we do what we do best.
"I instruct Sherine because her knowledge and vast experience on all my commercial matters is second to none"
-Vinny Chada, RKC Properties
"You cannot rely on any promise made on a handshake, when you start your business we understand the desire to make quick and easy deals with friends or acquaintances, these arrangements need to be backed up by solid contracts from day one!"
The law is our business, what's yours? 0844 2 250 004

Isle of Wight Beacon
www.iwbeacon.com Daily news and weather reports for the Isle of Wight, plus jobs, events, competitions, features and much more. 01983 522123

Manchester Business Consortium
Manchester Business Consortium is an Enterprise Agency & company limited by guarantee. We have 20 years experience in delivering support to start-up and existing businesses. The Enterprise Agency is part of a network of referral and delivery. 0161 236 1168

Seaham Computer Services
Seaham Computer Services is a newly established independant UK company located in Seaham, County Durham we provide IT support to small and medium sized businesses throughout Seaham, Sunderland and the North East, we have over 17 years experience in the small business sector and have been involved in a wide range of areas from shipping and freight through to accountants, solicitors and dentists, we are proud to be Microsoft Certified Professionals as well as gaining the Cyberoam Certified Network & Security Professional qualification. 1916601264

Local Partners

Start-Up Tip of the Day

Getting help is never a bad thing...

When you start a business its very encompassing and at times can overwhelm dont try and do it all and end up loosing that fire that made you start your business in the first place. Bring someone onboard who can help you with even the smallest of tasks and find a work life balance